Stict.: Dull headache constantly due to
nasal obstruction; the obstruction is felt more at the root of the nose; the
nasal mucus membrane is dry thatcompelsthepatienttoconstantlyblowthenose;blowing the nose fruitlessly without any discharge is a peculiar
symptom.

THE EFFICACY OF NASOSINUS (Hep. D3, Calc. D3,
Nux-v. D3, Puls. D3)

http://ir.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/69

[Shelley
Main]

http://ir.dut.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10321/70/Ebrahim_2003.pdf

For Homeopaths practicing strictly classical homoeopathy only one
medicine can 17 controlled study included 30 patients (15 in the treatment
group and 15 in the placebo group) who were seen over a 3-week period. The
General Well-Being Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire
were used. Results were analysed using

the one-sample t-test and the Mann Whitney test.

The conclusion reached was that the homoeopathic similimum is no more
effective than placebo in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. There was,
however, significant improvement within each group. The researcher recommended
that the study be done over a longer period, that medication be repeated more
frequently and that more objective measurement tools be used.

Smit (2002) conducted a study to determine the efficacy of a
homoeopathic similimum in the symptomatic treatment of chronic sinusitis. The
patients were pre-diagnosed

by a medical practitioner and were assessed over an eight-week period.
The study was performed on matched pairs using a pre-test to post-test research
design (i.e. each individual acted as his / her own control). Data was analysed
by means of Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test and the conclusion reached was that the
homoeopathic similimum resulted in significant improvement. Only 15 patients
were included and there was no placebo group, so the validity of this study is
questionable.

Fleming (2001) compared the efficacy of Hydrastis canadensis mother
tincture to that of the 3 C potency in the treatment of sinusitis. This
double-blind placebo-controlled study included 45 patients (who had been
previously diagnosed) and was conducted over a three-week period. 15 patients
received placebo, 15 received the mother tincture and 15 received the 3 C
potency. Wilcoxon’s Rank Sum, Mann Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and goodness-of-fit
tests were used to statistically analyse the data. The conclusion reached was
that neither Hydrastis canadensis mother tincture nor 3 C potency was effective
in the treatment of sinusitis.

Shelley Main

2.8.3.2 Complex treatment

A complex is a combination of remedies (usually in low potency) that are
commonly used to treat a specific disease or symptom.These combination remedies are freely
available from health food stores to self-medication in the case of acute
non-life-threatening conditions (such as sinusitis).

Complexes often used when a similimum (individually prescribed) remedy
is not available, or when a homoeopath is not certain which single homoeopathic
remedy should be used (Ullman, 1991: 22-23).

The method of prescribing where more than one homoeopathic remedy is
used simultaneously is known as disease based polypharmacy. This is done on the
basis that the remedies all have a degree

of similarity to that particular disease process (Watson, 1991: 71). A
complex is usually prescribed so as to treat more than one symptom of the same
condition (Kayne, 1997: 104-106).

The potencies of remedies in the combination can range from a tincture
up to a potency of usually not more than 30CH [CH representing a centesimal
potency produced by the Hahnemannian method]. These combination remedies are in
use by many homoeopaths worldwide, and through observation of their beneficial
therapeutic effects have been accepted as an essential means of treatment (Gaier,
1991: 98).

According to Jouanny (1993) acute sinusitis responds well to
homoeopathy. Low potencies administered several times a day is the most
effective means of treatment in acute disease and will act on the level of
local symptoms. The 3X (D3) potency is indicated for drainage.

In the case of acute sinusitis, the use of a complex such as Nasosinus
could cause improvement of symptoms and therefore prevent development of
chronic sinusitis or other complications.

This double-blind placebo- controlled study was done using a Patient Perception
Questionnaire as well as a Sinus Symptom Visual Analogue Scale Questionnaire as
measurement tools. 30 patients were included and randomly divided into two
groups - 15 patients in the placebo group and 15 in the treatment group. They
were monitored over a 3 - week period. The 20 one -sample t-test and Mann
Whitney test were used to analyse the results.

The conclusion was that the homoeopathic complex was not effective in
the treatment of chronic sinusitis, as there was no significant difference between
the two groups. There was, however, improvement within both groups.

Recommendations of the study include using a larger sample size; using a
homogenous sample; that more objective measurement tools be used; that the
study be limited to one symptom; also that treatment should be done over a
longer period and using different remedies and potencies in the complex.

Sengpiehl (1994) compared a specific homoeopathic remedy (Luffa
operculata 4XH) to a combination of two remedies (Kalium bichromicum 5CH and
Cinnabaris 5CH) in the treatment of chronic sinusitis. 40 patients were
included in the study (20 in each group). Patients were assessed over a 4-month
period using a patient perception questionnaire as well as the physical
appearance of the nasal mucosa. Data was analysed using the Mann Whitney test
as well as the Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank test. Luffa operculata was found to be
more effective than the combination of the two remedies Kali-bi. and Cinnb. It
is difficult to determine whether these results are valid as no placebo was
used against which the results could be measured.

Nasosinus was chosen for this study as it is available commercially and
the validity of its use needed to be established, as there had been no clinical
trials conducted to establish its efficacy (Stoffberg, 2003). Nasosinus is a
complex of homoeopathic remedies. The individual remedies of the complex have
been chosen based on their ability, when applied according to the law of
similars, to treat sinusitis. Only anecdotal evidence exists as to the efficacy
of the complex i.e. a combination of the individual ingredients. The product
contains a complex of remedies (see below) in a D3 potency making it useful for
a wide range of symptoms of acute sinusitis and allowing for drainage. The symptoms
below are listed in the Materia Medica under the respective remedy. It can be
seen that the symptom picture is similar to that of acute sinusitis.

According to Van Wyk (1999) Nasosinus is indicated for congestive
sinusitis, with thick catarrhal discharge, halitosis, ozaena, post nasal drip,
blocked nose and congestive sinus headaches. It acts as a decongestant,
promoting discharge of catarrh from the mucous membranes.

The complex contains the following remedies in a D3 potency:

Hep.: Affinity for respiratory mucous membranes. Infected sinus and pus
formation. Tendency to suppuration. Yellow expectoration. Headache as if nail
were being

driven into the right side of the head. Boring pain in right temple and
in root of nose. Aching in the forehead. Boring pains in upper bones of orbit.

The results of this study lead to the conclusion that the homoeopathic
complex Nasosinus (Hep.:Nux-v. Puls.) was shown to be statistically no
more effective than placebo in the treatment of acute sinusitis and thus not
effective in the treatment of acute sinusitis.

A condition manifested by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the
nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, fluids within these cavities, +/o. the
underlying bone (Lanza and Kennedy, 1997).

Lanza and Kennedy (1997), and Carr (2002) the basis for diagnosis of
chronic sinusitis:

The patient must have more than 2 major factors or 1 major and 2 minor
factors occurring for more than 4 weeks in duration.

Major Factors

- Facial pain/ pressure

- Facial congestion/ fullness

- Nasal obstruction

- Nasal discharge: purulent, or discoloured postnasal drainage

- Hyposmia/anosmia

- Purulent discharge in the nose

Minor Factors

- Headache

- Halitosis

- Fatigue

- Dental pain

- Cough

- Ear pressure/fullness

Nasal obstruction: inhale steam from a vaporiser or a hot cup of water
to lessen the discomfort and soothe inflamed sinuses. Hot wet compresses are
applied over the inflamed area to alleviate symptoms of congestion.

Stict.: dull pressure in the forehead and
fullness at the root of the nose, with dry nasal passages. Cochlearia:
Boericke: pressing and boring pains in the forehead "as if the frontal
bone would fall out."

Cinnb.: pressing pain above the root of the nose and
shooting pains in the bones of the orbit running from the inner to the outer
canthi.

Bov.: nose obstructed, with watery nasal
discharge, only from the left side.

Clarke: "redness predominates (color of the drug)." Very
"fiery looking ulcers" anywhere in the body. I have used it most
successfully in sinusitis. Dull pressive pain at the root of the nose with
thick post-nasal discharge. In acute sinusitis the face can be red, swollen and
very sensitive to touch.

Nose blocked and patient feels that, he will be relieved of the
suffering if secretion commence. Offensive discharge, like old cheese. 1X will
often start secretions and profuse drainage in stuffy colds. < from dry cold
wind > in damp weather

Sinusitis of allergic origin with patient being sensitive to cold

Allergic rhinitis, sneezing culminating into sinusitis

Acute sinusitis ( frontal/frontomaxillary) becoming chronic with passage
of time

Right-sided frontal sinusitis causing sharp, splinter-like pain in the
forehead and the root of the nose, the pain gets < from cold air/cold
foods/cold drinks; in general the person is chilly requiring warm clothes even
in summer and overly sensitive to the environment i.e. noise, touch, light,
etc.

Sneezes every time he going to cold dry wind with runny nose, later
thick offensive

Basically gentle and can be persuaded to cooperate and change viewpoints
easily, like the winds changing the direction of the Windflower.

Usually blond, blue eyed, sympathetic, easily brought to tears.
Indicated in many affections of women and children or in persons of mild,
gentle yielding disposition with weeping tendency; in women of light
complexion,

inclined to plumpness, with scanty, delayed menstrual flow; derangements
of puberty; delay of the first menstruation; threatened abortion.

The sinusitis may begin after being overheated. Stooping, sitting,
rising from lying down, and eating can < head pain, which is often in the
front part of the head and + with digestive problems. They get some relief from
slow walking in the open air or by wrapping the head tightly in a bandage. This
condition is commonly experienced when the child is in school. The nasal
discharge is often thick and yellow or green. Sinusitis with pain that shifts
from one part of head to another, the pain < from steam-inhalation but >
by pressure/cold applications/moving in open air/profuse thick, greenish
yellow, bland discharge from the nose.

Standing is the worst position for Sulphur patients, it is always
uncomfortable. Dirty, filthy people, prone to skin affections. Aversion to
being washed. When carefully-selected remedies fail to act (acute diseases), it
frequently arouses the reactionary powers of the organism. General offensive
character of discharge and exhalations.

Very red lips and face, flushing easily. Often great use in beginning
the treatment of chronic cases and in finishing acute ones.

Indicated in acute sinusitis with pain and dryness in throat, thirst for
cold water, feverish, heat in body, burning pain in eyes, palms and soles,
flushes of heat from face.

Indicated in hydrogenoid constitution where complaints are due to living
in damp houses and basements, cellars. Feels every change from dry to wet.
Complaints < rainy weather/water in any form. Always feel better in warm dry
weather.

Serious, focused and hard-working. They have a high sense of
responsibility and a very sensitive nature being easily driven to tears by sad
movies, books or music. Generally when well they are sensible and a little
reserved and aloof.

When ill they become confused and deeply depressed (after a head
injury).

In chronic sinusitis, the Sycotic miasm is active. The Sycotic miasm is
to do with overproduction and anything to do with the sinuses is to do with
overproduction

of mucous. = nosode for the Sycotic miasm is MEDORRHINUM and this could
be considered as a treatment to try to clear the miasm. In the remedy

Medorrhinum, the theme of exaggeration or excess produces many inflammatory
states, with an exaggeration of function. The expression is intense and focuses
on

areas of the body to do with water, communication and expansion –
sinuses, chest, joints, kidneys and bladder, skin and heart. Mentally there is
a tendency to extremes, unpredictability, intensity, addictions, everything is
too much.

Medorhinum is indicated for thick yellow discharges, obstruction of the
posterior nares, chronic nasal and pharyngeal catarrhs. It is also indicated
for suppression of

ailments as a result of improper medication, overproduction of
secretions in the nasal passages and overgrowth of tissues like polyps. There
is often an association

with tumorous growths and a peculiar odour of fish brine or stale fish.
This remedy is indicated for obstinate nasal catarrh, nose that is sensitive to
inhaled air, itching